South Africa Repatriates 2,745 Foreign Nationals Amid Tensions

South Africa repatriated 2,745 foreigners, mainly from Malawi, as part of a government initiative announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber on a Sunday. This action follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to intensify efforts against illegal immigration amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and violence in the country.

Unemployment in South Africa remains above 30%. The repatriation program is voluntary, with Malawian nationals being transported home in eight buses organized by their government.

South Africa provided an additional ten buses to expedite the process. Among those repatriated is Chilenj, a 25-year-old from Blantyre, who expressed relief at leaving South Africa after three years due to ongoing threats against foreigners.

The South African government has reiterated that it does not operate refugee camps and has no plans to establish temporary facilities. The situation has escalated following incidents of violence, including the deaths of two Mozambicans during a march against illegal migrants in Mossel Bay.